Bill > SB1023

This bill prohibits employers from discriminating against fire and rescue public safety employees (including firefighters, emergency medical technicians, cardiac rescue technicians, and paramedics) based on their possession of a valid medical cannabis written certification or testing positive for cannabis components. Specifically, employers cannot discipline, discharge, or limit employment opportunities for these employees solely due to their medical cannabis use. The bill includes important exceptions: employers are not required to take actions that would violate federal law, lose federal benefits, or compromise workplace safety. Employers can still prohibit employees from performing duties while impaired by cannabis and can prevent employees from using cannabis while on duty. If a fire and rescue public safety employee reports to work impaired by cannabis, the employer must report the incident to the State Emergency Medical Services Board. The law defines a "written certification" as a medical professional's documented assessment that the patient's medical cannabis use would likely provide more benefits than risks. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB1023?ys=2025RS